SOME VEHICLES, AND PARTICULARLY OLDER CARS, have seatbelts that are too short to accommodate a child in their restraint when used with a bolster seat. So far, we’ve heard of the problem with large family cars such as earlier model Holden Commodores and some early model Toyotas, Fords and Mitsubishis, all vehicles popular with families.
So, what’s the solution?
When you are faced with a seatbelt that’s too short to be used in conjunction with a child safety harness, there are a couple of ways out of the problem. It arises because a child safety harness requires considerably more seat belt length than normally needed when using just the seatbelt to secure the child in the bolster.
Many people resort to using a seatbelt extension (much like those you see airline flight attendants using to demonstrate the safety procedure). The problem here is that seatbelt extensions, even if they meet Australian Standard AS/NZ 2596, are safe to use with adults but not recommended for use with child restraints. The Australian Standard governing the manufacture and use of seatbelt extensions clearly states that they “should not be used if the seatbelt is not long enough to secure the child restraint”.
This is because seatbelt extensions have not been tested to determine their safety with child restraints, meaning there is the potential for the seatbelt extension to raise the level of the seatbelt buckle to the point where it sits on the child’s abdomen. In the event of a crash, this can actually increase the severity of the injury sustained by the child.
1. REPLACE THE EXISTING SEATBELT.
Seatbelts are not hugely expensive, so consult a vehicle modification specialist and ask if it’s possible to install a longer seatbelt. Some replacement seatbelts offer up to an extra 400mm in length. You’ll need to seek professional advice because many vehicles cannot be modified due to the angle, position and design of the existing seatbelt. Later model vehicles can also be difficult, particularly if the seatbelts include pre-tensioners.
2. CONSIDER A NARROWER BOOSTER SEAT.
Many manufacturers offer slimline booster seats that do not require as much seatbelt length when used with a harness. One model that’s highly recommended is the Safe n Sound Hi-Liner booster seat. Used with a harness, this model provides excellent protection.
3. TRY THE BOOSTER SEAT WITHOUT THE HARNESS.
While it is always preferable to use a booster seat in conjunction with a harness, it can certainly be used with a correctly fitted seatbelt on its own. Choose a bolster seat that provides a well-positioned sash guide to ensure the sash part of the seatbelt is properly located on the child’s shoulder.